The film adaptation of the novel “And Yet You Still Choose Me” will be shot in Savannah. Casting is set for Oct. 2 and 3 at the Savannah Mall.

The 1980s-era drama is being produced by Onyx Pearl, an Atlanta film production company, and will have a budget of $12 to $15 million.

The film will be directed by Perla Faye Humphrey, director and producer of the award-winning films “Unforgiven Sins” and “7 Days a Yellow.” The script is based on a novel by Kimberly Ray.

It tells the story of Shelley MacDonald, an African-American girl who lives in a poverty-stricken small town near Savannah. Shelley dreams of going to college, until one night when tragedy tears her family apart and causes her to run away.

“Every film project is important to Savannah,” said Jay Self, the city of Savannah’s director of Tourism and Film Services. “This one has a great script.

“This has a storyline that will give a broad opportunity to a lot of locals,” he said. “We’ve been working on it for about a year. It’s really exciting that it’s coming to fruition.”

The city’s film office works on many different kinds of projects, Self said. “Some are purely entertainment, some have strong messages, some are uplifting,” he said. “This one has the potential to have all three.”

There is a strong possibility that several films will be shot in Savannah in the future. “Since they’re economic development opportunities, we don’t talk about them until the producer has said yes,” Self said. “Perla was ready to do that.

“We’re hoping to have more information on the Xmen film next week,” he said. “There are a number of films and projects looking at Savannah. It’s going to be a busy winter.”

Production on the Onyx Pearl film is set to start in June. Casting will be conducted in Savannah, Atlanta and Los Angeles.

All ages and races are being sought for 10 lead and supporting roles, 50 additional speaking roles and dozens of extras. Resumes are being accepted and can be sent to andyetasst@gmail.com. For more casting information, visit www.onyxpearl.com/casting.